Next week, a longstanding hope of many mobile app developers will finally materialize.

At the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Application Developers Alliance will officially launch as the first professional industry association for mobile application developers.

Led by former Digital Media Association executive director Jon Potter, the new organization exists chiefly to promote "the best interests" of mobile APP developers. That means everything from facilitating education opportunities to spearheading government lobbying efforts.

Not surprisingly, the Application Developers Alliance will focus heavily on iOS and Android, although other mobile app and web developers are also welcome.